Is the sunroof the best for your car? These are its pros and cons

Many people have dreamed of having a convertible car since they were little. The problem is that these cars are usually somewhat expensive and for this reason, they are discarded when buying a car.

However, there is something that is more affordable than a convertible car and that does the trick. We are talking about sunroofs, an option that can be included in many car models, even if it does not come as standard.

In this article, we will talk about sunroofs, the types that exist, and what their advantages and disadvantages are, in case you are thinking of buying a car that has this type of roof.

What is a sunroof?

First of all, let's clarify what a sunroof is. Usually, this is an opening in the roof of the car, some have glass panels. These openings allow the sky to be seen and natural light to enter.

These glass panels can sometimes be opened, allowing more air into the car.

The sunroofs are available in different designs and sizes and can be placed on the front seats only or on the front and rear seats.

What is the difference between a sunroof and a convertible car?

Convertible cars can remove the entire roof of the car, leaving it completely uncovered.

In the case of the sunroof, it is only an opening, that is, we do not remove the entire roof structure. In addition, some panels, as they are made of glass, allow you to see the outside without having to open it, unlike convertible cars, which generally with the top on do not see anything.

Types of solar roofs

Within the solar roofs, we can find different designs with different characteristics. These are the solar roofs that you can find:

• Sunroofs: They have a tilting panel that is manually operated. It is a removable roof, which must be stored when it is removed.
• Folding Sunroof: This type of sunroof is very similar to convertible cars in that the panel on the roof is made of fabric and folds back to open.
• Spoiler Sunroof: These roofs do not offer a very large opening. The panel tilts up to let air through, they are usually electric.
• Built-in sunroofs: the panel in this case slides between the metal or exterior roof and the interior roof of the car. These roofs make the car lower inside and make it appear less spacious.
• Track Moonroof: This is a glass panel that opens on tracks above the roof. This allows you not to lose interior space.
• Panoramic Roof: This roof can be made up of one or more panels, and offers an opening above the front and rear seats.
• Photovoltaic solar roof: works like a solar roof but when closed it can produce electricity for the car.
• Power Monitored Roof – These roofs have a switch that allows the roof to be opened and closed quickly.

Advantages and disadvantages of solar roofs

If you want to equip your car with a sunroof, you must first think carefully about the advantages and disadvantages it has.

Having a sunroof provides light and also gives a feeling of spaciousness inside the car. Also, if the roof can be opened, air enters, and not only that, but it will make less noise than if we had the windows open.

Of course, it also allows us to enjoy sunny days and see astronomical phenomena from the comfort of our cars.

On the negative side, we have that installing a solar roof supposes an extra expense that can go to about 1000 euros. What's more, if the sunroof breaks down, we will have to repair it and the repair is quite expensive. In this case, we will also have to pay attention to the insurance we choose, since it must have window coverage so that it covers the damage that can occur to the glass. If you do not have it, we will have to take out insurance that does and this will increase the price of insurance.

In addition, if we drive with the panel open, it will mean higher consumption since it will generate greater air resistance, reducing the aerodynamics of the car.

And although many of the panels have filters in the crystals that protect them from UV rays, the temperature will still be higher in the passenger compartment than if we did not have a sunroof.

So, although the sunroof is an element that differentiates your car from others, you have to take into account all these drawbacks and weigh it well.